Situational Awareness

Building and maintaining the operational picture through mapping, symbology, and real-time tracking.

Overview

Situational Awareness is the foundation of effective command and control. ENGAGE provides comprehensive tools for visualizing the battlespace, tracking friendly and hostile forces, and maintaining a current operational picture.

Key Capabilities

Map Visualization

Create a clear view of the operational area:

Capability	Features	Link
3D Terrain	Globe view, terrain, satellite imagery	Mapping
2D Precision	Flat map for detailed analysis	Mapping
Coordinate Systems	MGRS, UTM, lat/long	Coordinates
Dark Basemap	Reduced eye strain for operations	Map Engine

Force Visualization

Display friendly and hostile units:

Capability	Features	Link
NATO Symbols	MIL-STD-2525D compliant	Symbology
ORBAT Tree	Hierarchical force organization	ORBAT
Unit Status	Combat effectiveness, strength	Symbol Properties
Affiliation	Friend, hostile, neutral, unknown	Symbol Palette

Layer Organization

Manage complex displays:

Capability	Features	Link
Layer Groups	Organize by type or echelon	Layer Hierarchy
Visibility Toggle	Show/hide layer groups	Layers
Active Layer	Focus on current editing	Layer Hierarchy

Real-Time Tracking

Monitor dynamic elements:

Capability	Features	Link
UAV Positions	Live aircraft locations	Telemetry
Track History	Breadcrumb trails	Telemetry
Radar Coverage	Sensor footprints	Radar Systems
Multi-User Cursors	See team activity	Collaboration

Workflow: Building the COP

Step 1: Configure the Map View

1. Select appropriate basemap (satellite, terrain, dark)
2. Set coordinate system (MGRS recommended)
3. Navigate to area of operations
4. Adjust terrain exaggeration if needed

Step 2: Organize Layers

1. Create layer groups for each echelon or function
2. Import existing overlays (KML, GeoJSON)
3. Set visibility defaults
4. Lock reference layers

Step 3: Place Unit Symbols

1. Open ORBAT tree panel
2. Create or import force structure
3. Place units on map
4. Set unit properties (designation, status)

Step 4: Add Control Measures

1. Draw boundaries and phase lines
2. Mark objectives and assembly areas
3. Add fire support coordination measures
4. Label all graphics

Step 5: Enable Real-Time Feeds

1. Connect to UAV telemetry
2. Enable ADS-B overlay (if available)
3. Join collaboration session
4. Configure alert thresholds

Best Practices

Display Organization

• Use consistent layer naming conventions
• Group layers by echelon (Brigade, Battalion, Company)
• Separate friendly and hostile layers
• Create "mission-specific" temporary layers

Symbol Placement

• Verify symbol affiliation before placing
• Include unit designations
• Update combat effectiveness regularly
• Use staff comments for notes

Performance Optimization

• Hide unused layers
• Limit track history length
• Use clustering for many points
• Simplify complex polygons

Related Workflows

• Mission Planning - Use SA for planning context
• Execution & Control - Maintain SA during operations
• Analysis & Reporting - Document the situation

Related Capabilities

• Mapping & Visualization
• Layer Management
• Military Symbology
• Control Measures
• Collaboration